Duke Energy was right about one thing and that is that there is no good time for a rate increase but come on…this company wants to raise residential rates by almost 10 percent when the country is in the middle of a serious ressession and people are losing their jobs in unprecedented numbers.  No matter what reasons they are trying to sell us on to raise rates they are not enough to be approved a rate increase…and what about the many who live on a fixed income..Duke Energy is very insensitive to the well being of their clients be private residents or businesses…you should write to Duke Energy and express the same sentiments….Lee